Chapter 5: The Serpent in the Nest

Wednesday morning. Two days after the point drop.

Class D floated in an odd mixture of tension and false normalcy. Smiles were forced. Voices, low. Laughter, rare.

Then, Nero Valsen stood up. His tone hadn’t changed: still as confident as ever.

— "Okay, we need to talk seriously. If we keep going like this, we’ll be out of points in two weeks. So... I’ve thought of a plan."

He clapped his hands. Three other students came to stand behind him, like a makeshift guard. Athletic boys, not very bright, but easily influenced.

— "I’ve formed a little group. We’ll call it... the 'Stability Committee.' Our goal? Maintain discipline, enforce the rules, and prevent any more mistakes that might cause us to lose points."

He scanned the room, confident that everyone would applaud.

Silence.

Then, a cold voice:

— "And who elected you?"

Salia. Always calm. Always sharp.

Nero smiled:

— "No one. But if no one acts, then someone has to."

Winner, still in the back, crossed his arms. It was time.

This kind of makeshift organization was bound to generate rejection, mistakes, and weaknesses. And if he wanted to move the class according to his own rules, he needed to infiltrate this shaky system right now.

During the break, he walked over to Nero, his expression neutral, almost friendly.

— "Your idea isn’t bad. But you’re missing a brain in there. You’ve only got muscles."

Nero raised an eyebrow, surprised by the direct approach.

— "And what do you propose, you, the quiet one?"

— "I suggest a different way of managing. You impose the rules. I’ll help you predict the reactions. I’ll analyze. I’ll keep you from making stupid mistakes."

Nero hesitated… then extended his hand.

— "Okay, partner."

> Exactly what he wanted.

By becoming the shadow brain of the Committee, Winner had just gained direct access to all the behaviors, conflicts, and alliances of the class.

That very evening, he was already watching the first effects.

— A student frustrated by being constantly watched. — A girl who was starting to quietly gather those who rejected Nero's "power." — And Salia, who stared at Winner with that cold gaze… as if she had sensed a slight shift in the chessboard lines.

But it was already too late.

Winner was inside.

And soon, he would be everywhere.